CONTENTS
-----------------
Electric Scotland News
The Flag in the Wind
Tartan Day in Toronto
The Scottish Nation
The Southern States of America
Poems and Stories
Clan Newsletters
Scottish Canadian Newspaper
Proceedings of the Scotch-Irish Congress in Columbia, Tennessee May 8-11,
1889. (New Book)
When the Steel Went Through
History of Scotland
Highlanders in Spain
Canada

ELECTRIC SCOTLAND
---------------------------------
As I was in Toronto for the Tartan Day Dinner didn't have quite as much time
for the newsletter this week but hopefuly still of interest. I did manage to
get up the pictures for you and more of that below.

The Clan MacMillan Branch of Texas is now forming and will have an inaugural
gathering in Austin on June 12th.George MacMillan, Chief of Clan MacMillan,
will be in attendance. If you are interested in joining the Texas Branch
(open to all MacMillan and sept families) and attending the gathering as a
charter member, please visit our website at :
http://www.clanmacmillantexas.org

The Washington St. Andrew’s Society announces the National Kirkin’ Of The
Tartan 2007. This is an extraordinary event in the life of the Metropolitan
Washington DC Scottish Community. The Kirkin’ takes place April 21st this
year at the Washington National Cathedral located the upper part NW
Washington DC near the Maryland line. Pipes & Drums, in full regalia, step
off at 3:30 PM sharp. See
http://www.cathedral.org/cathedral

Reserved seating must be obtained in advance--preferably via e-mail but also
by phone, from the Society's Sergeant-at-Arms and Chairman for the Kirkin,
David Stewart McKenzie. David may be reached by leaving a telephone
voicemail message at (202) 345-0843 or 962-2156, or preferably by e-mail at:
dmckenzie@wmata.com, with a message
title “KIRKIN2007".

ABOUT THE STORIES
-----------------
Some of the stories in here are just parts of a larger story so do check out
the site for the full versions. You can always find the link in our "What's
New" section at the link at the top of this newsletter and pick up poems and
stories sent into us during the week from Donna, Margo, Stan, John and
others.

THE FLAG IN THE WIND
------------------------------------
Mind that The Flag is now in two sections (1) Political and (2) Cultural.

It's Richard Thomson's turn this week and he's giving his views on the state
of play of the parties with only a couple of weeks left until the elections.

Still haven't heard from Linda so can only assume she's working hard on the
elections.

Scotland’s foremost problem over the centuries has always been how to deal
with a larger, stronger and wealthier neighbour. A neighbour who, for
obvious reasons, was keen to secure her northern border. In the wake of the
declining so-called incorporating Union of 1707, the relationship between
Scotland and England is still top of the political agenda and a lasting
solution has still to be found. Devolution is no more than a staging-post in
finding that solution. For the Scottish Parliament to have less power than
the Manx Tynwald is an insult to the nation of Scotland and the only logical
conclusion is Scottish and English ( and Welsh) Independence. As Alex
Salmond, Leader of the Scottish National Party, well put the matter:

“After [Scottish] independence England will still be our biggest pal, our
biggest friend, our biggest trading partner and people north and south of
the border find that a very attractive proposition.” (9 April 2007)

Alex Salmond spoke for us all, as a relationship of equals threatens neither
partner. It would help both Scots and English to rediscover their own
cultural roots and distinctive identity. It is only to the benefit of
Scottish Nationalism that the English rediscover their own identity.
Increased use of symbols of nationality by the English such as the St
George’s Cross is to be welcomed. During recent international football
competitions England has been awash with red and white flags. Moves are
afoot to make St George’s Day (23 April) a public holiday – in English terms
a bank Holiday and an increasing number of events are being held, the length
and breadth of England, to mark this important date. Google in St George’s
Day 2007 and you will find a host of events being organised from bodies as
diverse as English Heritage and the Boy Scouts. A golden opportunity to
celebrate and enjoy English traditions such as real ale and Morris dancing.
Appropriately St George’s Day is also the birth and death date of England’s
National Bard – the incomparable William Shakespeare, so what better day to
celebrate all that is best in England. Like St Andrew’s Day, St George’s
should be a public holiday.

This week’s recipe features a dish which is also very popular in Scotland,
but is seem internationally as being essentially English – Roast Beef and
Yorkshire Pudding. We can all join in celebrating England’s National Day and
raising a glass to the day when England is independent again.

Method: Preheat the oven to its highest setting. Rub the beef with the olive
oil, salt and pepper all over. Put a heavy-based roasting tray on the hob
and when hot, add the beef. Sear the beef quickly on all sides to colour and
crisp the outside. Transfer the beef immediately to the oven and leave the
oven on its highest setting (about 240C/460F/Gas 8) for 20 minutes. Reduce
the heat to 190C/375F/Gas 5 and roast for half an hour per kilo for rare,
adding another ten minutes per kilo for medium rare, 20 minutes per kilo for
medium, and 30 minutes per kilo for well done. Remove from the oven and
place on a board or tray for resting. Loosely cover with foil and rest the
meat for a minimum of 40 minutes before carving, letting the precious juices
that have bubbled up to the surface seep back into the flesh. Also, as the
meat relaxes it becomes easier to carve.

For the Yorkshire pudding, mix together the eggs, flour and a pinch of salt.
Add the milk, stirring constantly, until you have a runny batter. Leave this
to rest, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Place 1cm/½in of
beef dripping in the bottom of each pudding mould, or if you are using a
rectangular roasting tray, place 1cm/½in of beef dripping across the bottom.
Heat the dripping in the oven (at 240C/460F/Gas 8) for about ten minutes,
until it is piping hot. Remove the roasting tray from the oven, pour in the
batter, and immediately return to the oven. Bake for 25 minutes, until
golden brown and crispy, making sure not to open the oven door for the first
20 minutes. Serve immediately with the carved roast beef.

The other event was the Tartan Day Dinner at Casa Loma which was an
outstanding success. Usually this event closes around 11pm but this year it
was more like 1am before most got chased out :-)

Jean Watson was awarded the Scot of the Year and I had the pleasure of
picking her up and escorting her to the dinner. You can see pictures from
this dinner and 4 small videos which I hope you'll enjoy. I think I must
have lost weight as my kilt kept falling down and I spent most of the night
between taking pictures yanking it back up :-)

The Scottish Nation
----------------------------
My thanks to Lora for transcribing these volumes for us. She has now got her
cast off at long last and she's now doing some typing but tells me she's
making lots of mistakes so it might be a wee while until she is back up to
speed. Always nice to see some steady progress :-)

Now moved onto the G's and added this week are Gavin, Ged and Geddes.

Here is a bit from the Geddes entry...

GEDDES, a surname, evidently the plural of Ged, those of this name bearing
also three pikes in their arms. The estate of Geddes in Nairnshire belonged
at one period to the Roses, one of whom, Hugh rose of Geddes, by his
marriage with Mary de Bosco, heiress of Kilravock, became the founder of
that ancient family. It now belongs to a family of the name of Mackintosh.
There was at one time a family of Geddes of Geddes, as the Geddeses of
Rachan are said to have been descended from them. In the parish of Nairn
there is a hill called the hill of Geddes.

GEDDES, MICHAEL, an eminent divine of the church of England, and
ecclesiastical writer, was born about 1650. He was educated at the
university of Edinburgh, which city is supposed to have been his native
place, and having taken the degree of M.A., he was, in July 1671,
incorporated in the same at Oxford, being one of the first four natives of
Scotland who were admitted to the benefits of the exhibitions founded by
Bishop Warner in Baliol college. In 1678 he went to Lisbon as chaplain to
the English factory there. In 1686 the Inquisition, taking offence at the
exercise of his functions, cited him to appear before them, and, in
violation of the privilege guaranteed by the commercial treaty between
England and Portugal, prohibited him from continuing his ecclesiastical
duties. The English merchants immediately wrote to the bishop of London,
representing the hardships of their case, and showing their right to a
chaplain; but before their letter reached that prelate, he was himself
suspended by the ecclesiastical commission appointed by James the Second of
England, who was then endeavouring to establish popery at home.

In May 1688, Mr. Geddes returned to England, where he took the degree of
LL.D., and after the promotion of Dr. Burnet to the bishopric of Salisbury,
he was chosen by that prelate to be chancellor of his church. He died before
1714. Bishop Burnet speaks in very respectful terms of him in his ‘History
of the Reformation.’ During his residence at Lisbon, Dr. Geddes had
collected a mass of historical materials from scarce books and manuscripts
in the Spanish and Portuguese languages; and in 1694 he published the
‘History of the Church of Malabar,’ in one volume, translated from the
Portuguese; which was followed by other works, a list of which is subjoined.

History of the Church of Ethiopia. To which are added, An Epitome of the
Dominican History of that Church; an Account of the Practices and Conviction
of Maria of the Annunciation, the famous Nun of Lisbon. Lond. 1696, 8vo.

The Council of Trent no free Assembly; with an Introduction concerning
Councils, and a Collection of Dr. Vorga’s Letters. Lond. 1697, 1714, 8vo.

Miscellaneous Tracts. Vol. I. Lond. 1702, 8vo. Vol. Ii. Lond. 1705, 8vo.
Vol. Iii. Lond. 1706, 8vo. The same, reprinted. Lond. 1714, 1730, 3 vols,
8vo. Containing, among other things, the History of the Expulsion of the
Moriscoes out of Spain; History of the Wars of the Commons of Castile; View
of the Spanish Cortes or Parliaments; Account of the Manuscripts and
Reliques found in the Ruins of the uninhabitable Turpian Tower, in the city
of Granada, in 1588, and in the mountain called Valparayso, near to that
city, in 1595; View of the Court of Inquisition in Portugal; View of all the
Orders of Monks and Friars in the Roman Church, with an account of their
Founders.

The Southern States of America
----------------------------------------------
Published in 1909.

Added this week are...

The History of Texas - Chapter II
Texas as a Republic

The History of Texas - Chapter III
Texas in the Federal Union, 1845 - 1861

The History of Texas - Chapter IV
Texas in the Confederacy, 1861 - 1865

Here is a bit from Chapter IV...

Contributions in Men and Supplies to the Confederate Government.

Texas was formally admitted to the Confederacy by an act of congress
approved March 2, 1861, but not until Governor Houston had been deposed was
the authority of the general government fully recognized within the state.
In the meantime the President, Jefferson Davis, had assumed control over all
military operations in the various states having reference to other states
or foreign powers. Although authorized to organize a provisional army,
President Davis did not call on Texas for troops at once, as it was
generally believed that war would be avoided. In April the firing on Fort
Sumter and Lincoln's call for volunteers effectually dissipated this hope;
yet even after hostilities had begun the belief was prevalent that the war
would be only of short duration. In April the Confederate government
requested Governor Clark to get 3,000 troops in readiness for service, and
shortly afterwards asked for 5,000 more. These were first raised as state
troops and then mustered into the Confederate service. In June an additional
2,000 were called for. Meanwhile a number of companies, battalions and
regiments were raised by individuals with the permission of the Confederate
authorities and without the intervention of the state. These were mustered
directly into the Confederate army and were taken out of Texas. However,
most of the troops raised in 1861 remained in the state, for it was believed
that the war would not last long enough to justify taking them on the long
and expensive trip to Virginia.

In the state elections of that year Edward Clark, supplanter of Houston, was
narrowly defeated for the governorship by Frank E. Lubbock, who exerted
himself to the utmost to put the state into a better condition of defense
and to furnish needed support to the general government. By this time the
course of events in the North and the energetic determination of Mr. Lincoln
to reduce the South to submission at any cost made it clear that a more
thorough organization of methods of raising troops and supplies was
necessary. When the legislature met that winter it proceeded first to raise
a mounted ranger regiment for service against the Indians on the frontier,
and then to divide the state into thirty-three "brigade districts" for the
more orderly and expeditious enlistment of soldiers. All able-bodied men
between the ages of eighteen and fifty years, except certain public and
quasi-public officials, were declared subject to military service and were
to be enrolled in companies. Companies and regiments thus enrolled were
under State authority until called for by the general government and
mustered into its service. In the early spring heavy demands were made upon
Texas for men. She had already contributed more than 16,000 [War of the
Rebellion Records, Series IV., Vol. I., P. 983.] to the Confederacy, but the
burdens of extended operations necessary to meet the heavy attacks planned
against the Southern states east of the Mississippi required that the whole
strength of every part of the new government be brought into action. By the
Confederate "conscript law" of April 16, 1862, all men between the ages of
eighteen and thirty-five were to be taken immediately into active service.
None were to be enlisted for less than three years or for the war. Those in
Texas above the age of thirty-five who did not volunteer for Confederate
service remained in reserve as state troops; but as the war progressed and
the condition of the government became more precarious, the age limit was
extended again and again until the country was drained of its men, both
young and old. Governor Lubbock responded energetically to the continuous
call for men, notwithstanding the exposed and precarious condition of the
defenses of the state, especially along the coast; but he was greatly
hampered by numerous permits injudiciously granted by the Confederate
authorities to individual officers to enlist men in Texas without regard to
the arrangement devised by the state government. In this way more men were
being drawn out of Texas than the requisition called for, and it was only
after repeated protests on the part of Lubbock that the practice was
stopped.

She has up the first 10 pages and here is the first page to read here...

The man who walked through the door of Wimpy’s Café stood out like velvet in
a bin of calico. He was tall, well dressed in a business suit and carried a
brief case. The line of men on the stools at the counter barely looked up
from their plates of home cooked fare. The food was what brought the
workers, cowboys, truck drivers and small families into the eating
establishment. Someone always seemed to keep the juke box plugged with
change and it sawed out country music which always soothed the patrons,
somehow. Velma, the owner, was alert to anything just a bit out of the
ordinary and this distinguished person before her certainly sent up a red
flag. Would he bring good news, tax problems, legal questions or some other
difficult situation? Little did Velma know of the great changes this man
would make in her life and the lives of her family.

She was Native American in an area populated by descendants of land rush
people, who staked their claims for Indian land, busted the sod, or branded
their cattle with their mark. Years later someone would refer to her as the
little Chinese woman who had owned Wimpy’s. Something in their minds
couldn’t see a Native American female with the business acumen to
successfully operate an eating establishment where everyone wanted to go.
Her serving up fat, long French Fries, huge hamburgers, chicken fried
steaks, mashed potatoes and daily baked hot rolls just wasn’t in their
understanding of what was making the place work. Velma let any racial
remarks roll off and continued her 24 hour a day job with determined steps.

“Yes Sir? Is there something we can do for you?” Polite conversation works
for any situation and it was what Velma used with the gentleman at this
time.

“Well, yes! As a matter of fact I would like to speak with you on a
confidential matter?” He handed her his business card to show he was
associated with an organization called, “Oklahoma For Indians Opportunity,”
or shortened to the acronym, ‘O.I.O.” She knew of their work via the
grapevine but other than that was not familiar with what they actually did.

“You have caught us in a busy, noon rush hour. Is there another time we can
talk?” Velma continued with her cordial manner.

“If you have some time when we could sit down for a while. What I need to
talk about will take some thought.”

Proceedings of the Scotch-Irish Congress in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania May 29
to June 1, 1890.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have now made a start at this volume on the Second Congress and here is how
the first chapter starts...

The origin and history of the first Scotch-Irish Congress, held at Columbia,
Tennessee, in May, 1889, were briefly sketched in our initial volume
published last year. It has been decided that each annual volume shall
contain a similar account of the Congress held during the year of its
publication; and it is in pursuance of this design that the following sketch
of the second Congress has been written.

The first Congress was called and came together as a mass-meeting of
Scotch-Irish people, and not as an organized body. Before its adjournment,
however, the Scotch-Irish Society of America was formed, in order to carry
out in a systematic manner the objects for which the Congress was assembled.

These objects were outlined in our first volume, but it may be interesting
to repeat them here in more detail.

They may be conveniently grouped under four heads, all intimately connected,
but more or less distinct—historical, educational, fraternal, and patriotic.
Our first object is to collect materials for a complete history of the
Scotch-Irish race—a work which, strange enough, has never before been
undertaken. It is said that the Scotch-Irish have been too busy making
history in deeds to take time for writing it in words. If this be true, it
furnishes all the greater reason why they should now stop long enough to
take stock of accumulated achievements. A perusal of this volume will alone
be sufficient to convince the reader, if he has never taken thought of it
before, how rich must be the inventory. To study the great historic forces
which have molded the character of the Scotch-Irish people, and have shaped
their career, to trace them from Scotland to Ireland, and from Ireland to
all parts of the world, will be a subject of deepest interest to students of
history. To an American, however, especially if he be of Scotch-Irish
extraction, the record of the race in our own land will be found most
attractive, for no other people have contributed so much to our greatness
and prosperity. As a race their influence has not been properly recognized,
but as individuals they have been known as leaders in every sphere of public
and private life. The materials for the general history are to be gathered
from the records of these typical men of the race. Their deeds have in some
instances been recorded in biographies and histories, but the great
multitude of them have been preserved only in the memory, and will soon be
lost to the world, unless engraved on more enduring tablets. The
reminiscences and traditions retained only as recollections with the old
family papers, and relics preserved in thousands of households throughout
our land, furnish rich stores from which to draw numerous sketches worthy of
being written and read.

It is the purpose of our Society to stimulate the writing of such sketches,
and afterward to gather them into our archives, together with all relics and
other data that can be obtained. In addition to this historical matter
bearing on the individuals, families, and communities of the race, eminent
scholars will be invited to write on particular phases of Scotch-Irish
character and achievement. Branch organizations, co-operating with us, will
also assist in gathering the desired materials.

Our Society will publish a series of annual volumes, called "The
Scotch-Irish in America." Each volume will contain the proceedings and
addresses of the preceding yearly Congress, with such other matter as shall
be selected from the archives.

THE NEW YEAR at the ranch began with temperatures well below zero.
Consequently I did not stir far from the house for the first week or two.
But after that, it was fairly mild for the rest of the winter, and I was
able to go farther afield in comfort.

I spent some time going with Bryce Wright to the foothills, and cutting down
trees for fence posts; afterwards hauling these to the ranch. John Turner
stayed at the ranch and looked after it while we were away. I helped also on
other jobs, and altogether had a pleasant time.

Toward spring, however, I moved to Calgary in order to be on the spot when
word should come telling me to report for duty on the location of the
Calgary & Edmonton Railway.

I put up at the Royal Hotel, which was owned and run by James Reilly — "the
people's James". There, I made the acquaintance of quite a number of people
who were boarding at this hotel. Among these, were Col. Wainwright and his
two attractive daughters. One of these ladies afterwards was married to
Thomas Stone; and the other later became Mrs. Dudley Rickards.

I recall, too, meeting then for the first time, Dr. Lafferty who was at that
time Mayor of Calgary; William Pearce, Inspector of Mines; Dr. H. B. Mackid;
and his young son, Stewart Mackid, now one of the leading surgeons in
Calgary.

The project of the Calgary & Edmonton Railway included a line from Calgary
to MacLeod, as well as the one from Calgary to Edmonton. And James Ross, who
was still engaged in finishing the construction of the railway from Regina
to Prince Albert, had also undertaken the construction of the C. & E. Rly.;
and Holt, Mackenzie, and Mann, were his associates on this work too.

Individually, each of these four was prominent among the railway contractors
of the day; and thus associated, they might well be referred to as the Big
Four in railway promotion and construction.

One day, about the middle of April, I happened to be engaged in a game of
billiards at the hotel, when I received a telegram telling me that a camp
outfit was on the way from Regina to Calgary, and that I was to take charge
of it on its arrival. I at once put away my billiard cue, and hurried to the
station to find out when the outfit was due to arrive.

It arrived that evening. It consisted of tents and full equipment of wagons
and mules; and was accompanied by Jack Lee, who had been one of the
teamsters on our locating party the year before. He promptly got the outfit
unloaded, and the mules stabled in Bain's stable.

Stewart, who held the position of Chief Locating Engineer, arrived the
following morning, and I learned from him that he was putting two parties in
the field: one to locate the line from Calgary to Red Deer; and the other to
locate from Red Deer to Edmonton. I was to have charge of the former party;
and M. MacLeod was to have charge of the latter. I learned, too, that
Lumsden would be the Inspecting Engineer for the government.

I spent a few days looking over the ground with Stewart until the members of
my party arrived; and as soon as I got them together I started locating up
the Nose Creek valley on the north side of the Bow River.

I was highly pleased to have my old friend Mather as transitman on my party.
I had not, however, met the leveller before. I remember well his appearance
and genial personality, and still retain pleasant recollections of our
fellowship on that work. But I never heard what became of him afterwards;
and his name has completely slipped my memory. So, much to my regret, I can
only speak of him now simply as the leveller.

The other members of the party were: Cameron, rodman; Symonds and Norquay,
picketmen; Simon and Bell, chainmen; Lee, Hall, Forrest, and Bliss,
teamsters; and the axeman and cook, whose names I do not recall.

Mather had gone in for photography as a hobby, and he took some interesting
photographs of our camp, and of the members of the party, which vividly
recall the appearance of each individual.

The party proved to be an excellent one. Each one knew his job, and did it
well. All were keen to do their best. So, with such a party it did not take
long — some eighteen days — to get to Red Deer, and connect with MacLeod's
line there. We then moved back to Calgary and started locating the south
branch to MacLeod.

History of Scotland
----------------------------
In 6 volumes By Patrick Fraser Tytler (1828)

I have now completed the first volume of this publication and made a start
at the second volume. The first volume of course includes accounts of
William Wallace and Robert the Bruce so I hope you enjoy reading those
chapters. As all the chapters are .pdf files I'll just point you at the
index page of this publication which is at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/scotland/historyndx.htm

Highlanders in Spain
------------------------------
By James Grant (1910)

Now up to Chapter 9 of this book so 6 more chapters added this week. Here is
a wee bit from Chapter 8...

'One, two, three — six to one! the rascally cowards ! Draw, Alister, — draw
and strike in,' cried Ronald, unsheathing his sword — an example which his
companion was not slow in following, and all three were soon engaged, two to
one, against the assailants of Alvaro, who were surprised at this unexpected
attack, and fought with double desperation to escape. The whole of Ronald's
long-nourished love of tumult, his fiery spirit and inherent fierceness,
broke forth in this martial fray, and indeed he was put to his mettle. No
fewer than three of the ruffians fell upon him pell-mell, cutting and
thrusting with their long blades, while they watched every opportunity to
use the sharper stilettoes which armed their left hands. Ronald's regimental
gorget saved him from one deadly thrust at his throat, and the thick folds
of his plaid, where they crossed the iron plate of his left epaulette-strap,
saved him from more than one downright blow. Sweeping his long claymore
round him, with both his hands clenched in its basket-hilt, he fought with
the utmost energy, but only on the defensive, and was compelled to retire
backwards step by step towards the quay of the Guadiana, where he must have
been inevitably drowned or slain, but for the timely interference of a
fourth sword, which, mingling its strokes with theirs, struck the three
Spanish blades to shivers. Two of the fellows immediately fled, and plunging
into the river swam to the opposite bank ; the third would have followed,
but Ronald, grasping him by the throat, adroitly struck the poniard from his
hand, and pinning him to the earth, placed his foot upon his neck. At the
same moment Alister Macdonald passed his long claymore through the body of
the fourth, who fell shrieking — 'Santa Maria! O Dios! O Dios! and almost
instantly expired. The other two, who had been driven far off by the Spanish
officer, now fled, and the brawl was ended.

'Hot work this, gentlemen,' said Campbell, in his usual jocular tone. It was
his sword which had intervened so opportunely between Ronald and
destruction. 'The fray has been bravely fought and gallantly finished.'

You have drawn your sword to-night for the first time, Stuart, and proved
yourself a lad of the proper stuff. Keep your foot tight upon the growling
scoundrel, and if he dares to stir, pin him to the pavement. This affair
beats hollow my brawl at Grand Cairo, when we were in Egypt with Sir Ralph.
By-the-bye, what did the fray begin about?'

'I am sure I cannot say,' replied Ronald, panting with his late exertion;
'but for your prompt assistance, major, it might have ended otherwise.
Alister, I am glad you have disposed of your opponent in so secure a manner,
— yet his horrid death-cry rings strangely in my ears.' A grim smile curled
the handsome features of Macdonald, who wiped his sword in his tartan plaid,
and jerked it into the sheath in silence.

'Senores—officiates, I thank you for the good service you have rendered me
to-night,' said the Spanish officer in good English while he made a low
obeisance, 'and am happy that you have all escaped unharmed; but we must
dispose of this remaining villain. Be pleased to stand aside, senor, that I
may run him through the heart. A fair thrust from the blade of a noble
cavaliero is too good a death for such a fellow.'

Canada
-----------
I got sent this in and as I'm now living in Canada thought I'd pass it on
:-)

Until the deaths of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan, probably almost
no one outside their home country had been aware that Canadian troops are
deployed in the region. And as always, Canada will bury its dead, just as
the rest of the world, as always, will forget its sacrifice, just as it
always forgets nearly everything Canada ever does.

It seems that Canada's historic mission is to come to the selfless aid both
of it's friends and of complete strangers, and then, once the crisis is
over, to be well and truly ignored.

Canada is the perpetual wallflower that stands on the edge of the hall,
waiting for someone to come and ask her for a dance. A fire breaks out, she
risks life and limb to rescue her fellow dance-goers, and suffers serious
injuries. But when the hall is repaired and the dancing resumes, there is
Canada, the wallflower still, while those she once helped Glamorously cavort
across the floor, blithely neglecting her yet again.

That is the price Canada pays for sharing the North American continent with
the United States, and for being a selfless friend of Britain in two global
conflicts. For much of the 20th century, Canada was torn in two different
directions: It seemed to be a part of the old world, yet had an address in
the new one, and that divided identity ensured that it never fully got the
gratitude it deserved. Yet its purely voluntary contribution to the cause of
freedom in two world wars was perhaps the greatest of any democracy.

Almost 10% of Canada's entire population of seven million people served in
the armed forces during the First World War, and nearly 60,000 died. The
great Allied victories of 1918 were spearheaded by Canadian troops, perhaps
the most capable soldiers in the entire British order of battle.

Canada was repaid for its enormous sacrifice by downright neglect, it's
unique contribution to victory being absorbed into the popular Memory as
somehow or other the work of the "British."

The Second World War provided a re-run. The Canadian navy began the war with
a half dozen vessels, and ended up policing nearly half of the Atlantic
against U-boat attack. More than 120 Canadian warships participated in the
Normandy landings, during which 15,000 Canadian soldiers went ashore on
D-Day alone. Canada finished the war with the third-largest navy and The
fourth-largest air force in the world.

The world thanked Canada with the same sublime indifference as it had the
previous time. Canadian participation in the war was acknowledged in film
only if it was necessary to give an American actor a part in a campaign in
which the United States had clearly not participated - a touching
scrupulousness which, of course, Hollywood has since abandoned, as it has
any notion of a separate Canadian identity.

So it is a general rule that actors and filmmakers arriving in Hollywood
keep their nationality - unless, that is, they are Canadian. Thus Mary
Pickford, Walter Huston, Donald Sutherland, Michael J. Fox, William Shatner,
Norman Jewison, David Cronenberg, Alex Trebek, Art Linkletter and Dan
Aykroyd have in the popular perception become American, and Christopher
Plummer, British.

It is as if, in the very act of becoming famous, a Canadian ceases to be
Canadian, unless she is Margaret Atwood, who is as unshakably Canadian as a
moose, or Celine Dion, for whom Canada has proved quite unable to find any
takers.

Moreover, Canada is every bit as querulously alert to the achievements of
it's sons and daughters as the rest of the world is completely unaware of
them. The Canadians proudly say of themselves - and are unheard by anyone
else - that 1% of the world's population has provided 10% of the world's
peacekeeping forces. Canadian soldiers in the past half century have been
the greatest peacekeepers on Earth - in 39 missions on UN mandates, and six
on non-UN peacekeeping duties, from Vietnam to East Timor, from Sinai to
Bosnia.

Yet the only foreign engagement that has entered the popular on-Canadian
imagination was the sorry affair in Somalia, in which out-of-control
paratroopers murdered two Somali infiltrators. Their regiment was then
disbanded in disgrace - a uniquely Canadian act of self-abasement for which,
naturally, the Canadians received no international credit.

So who today in the United States knows about the stoic and selfless
friendship its northern neighbour has given it in Afghanistan and who is the
largest provider of oil to the US? Rather like Cyrano de Bergerac, Canada
repeatedly does honourable things for honourable motives, but instead of
being thanked for it, it remains something of a figure of fun.

It is the Canadian way, for which Canadians should be proud, yet such honour
comes at a high cost. This past year more grieving Canadian families knew
that cost all too tragically well.

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